Spiced Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Introduction
There’s something truly magical about baking during the fall, especially when it involves the aromatic and warm embrace of spiced pumpkin bars topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting! This recipe is a perfect way to celebrate the cozy charms of autumn, enveloping your kitchen in heavenly aromas and delivering big smiles to all who taste it. If you’re ready to dive into the joy of autumn baking, subscribe to receive this recipe by email.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These spiced pumpkin bars are a quintessential fall treat, embodying everything we adore about the season: cozy spices, rich flavors, and a sweet, creamy topping. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, making them ideal for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices. Not to mention, this recipe is family-friendly, perfect for involving little helpers in the joy of baking and sharing sweet moments.
Ingredients
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Necessary Tools
– 9×13-inch baking pan
– Mixing bowls (medium and large)
– Whisk
– Spatula
– Electric mixer
– Toothpick
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Feel free to play around with this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can swap out granulated sugar for coconut sugar for a richer flavor. Add-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips can provide additional texture and taste contrast, making these bars even more delightful.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan—your canvas for this culinary masterpiece.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt, merging the dry elements into a harmonious blend.
3. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, and eggs until smooth, then let the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract join the party, infusing the mix with vibrant autumn flavors.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until you have a unified batter ready to pour.
5. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to ensure every bite is pure perfection.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know the magic is complete when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool completely in the pan before moving on to the frosting.
8. For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until you achieve that fluffy, irresistible texture.
9. Spread the frosting generously on your cooled bars, then slice into 24 pieces.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your spiced pumpkin bars with a hot cup of apple cider or a steaming mug of coffee for an ultimate fall experience. These bars can also be a charming addition to a brunch spread or a sweet finale for a holiday dinner.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your bars come out perfect every time, make sure all your ingredients, especially cream cheese and butter, are at room temperature before you begin. Mixing the batter just until combined will keep the bars moist, and letting them cool completely will set the stage for flawless frosting application.
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Before serving, you can gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked feel.
FAQ Section
– Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the bars a day in advance and store them in the fridge, icing them just before serving.
– Can I freeze these bars? Absolutely! Freeze unfrosted bars in a single layer, then transfer to a container. Thaw and frost when ready to enjoy.
Conclusion
Spiced pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are not only a tribute to the flavors of fall but also a testament to the joy of simple pleasures. With easy steps and magnificent outcomes, this recipe invites you to embrace the warmth that’s synonymous with autumn baking. We’d love to see how yours turned out! Leave a review, share your photos, or tag us on Pinterest or Instagram.
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutritional information per serving:
– Calories: 210
– Total Fat: 12g
– Saturated Fat: 7g
– Cholesterol: 55mg
– Sodium: 100mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 24g
– Sugars: 17g
– Protein: 2g
Delight in the sweet, spiced flavors and let your autumn gatherings be warmed by the love these pumpkin bars bring.
